OUR VIEW: Philippines to need aid from world

Our hearts go out to the people of the Philippines who are digging out from under a swath of destruction and mud left behind by Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the nation of islands this past Friday.

Some estimate the death toll at around 10,000, with nearly 10 million affected in some way by the strong winds and floods the typhoon brought.

The tragedy in the Philippines is far from over, with bodies said to still be lying in the streets, contaminating water supplies.

Downed power lines make it difficult for family members here to contact their loved ones back home, and many of our neighbors in the local Filipino community are waiting anxiously, helplessly to hear word about their loved ones.

Murfreesboro resident Mary Anne Wright told The Daily News Journal Monday that she has not heard from her mother or six siblings still in the Philippines. She's trying not to worry too much. She has a toddler to look after and is eight-months pregnant, but her mind wanders back to the islands. It could be weeks before she hears anything, her husband said, sadly.

While those safe back in the United States may feel helpless, St. Luke Catholic Church in Smyrna is offering an activity to help. Set for noon Sunday at the church, parishioners will cook up a Filipino-style meal, and guests are encouraged to attend, bringing donations of cash to help in recovery efforts.

We encourage our readers to attend, to show support and to donate what they can, whether through the St. Luke event or through other reputable agencies and churches.

While the Philippine disaster may seem far removed from Murfreesboro, we have enough of a Filipino population in Middle Tennessee to warrant the existence of the Filipino-American Association of Tennessee. The organization held a festival on Murfreesboro's Public Square this past June sharing dances, food and other festivities with the general community.

FAAT President Alicia Lundquist estimates there are about 10,000 native Filipinos or Filipino-Americans living in Tennessee, not counting spouses and children.

Of course, disaster can strike anywhere. We would be remiss in not reminding readers that with sudden drops and increases in temperature inherent in a Rutherford County autumn, bad storms are not uncommon here.

Make sure your family has a safe place to go during storms and talk about it with them. Consider purchasing a weather radio and discuss a point where family members can gather if separated during a storm or fire.

Mother Nature is wild and often unpredictable, but she certainly demands our respect.

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OUR VIEW: Philippines to need aid from world

Our hearts go out to the people of the Philippines who are digging out from under a swath of destruction and mud left behind by Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the nation of islands this past Friday.